Declan Rice wants Arsenal move as Gunners prepare huge second bid for West Ham captain
Arsenal remain confident of completing a deal despite their initial offer being rejected
eclan Rice’s preference remains a move to Arsenal, with West Ham braced for an imminent £100million bid closer to their valuation.
The 24-year-old has his heart set on joining Mikel Arteta at the Emirates despite an initial £80m bid from the Gunners being rejected on Thursday.
West Ham were also thought to be unhappy with the structure of the deal, but talks remain ongoing and productive.
Rice has been offered a prominent role at the heart of Mikel Arteta’s midfield and will not encourage approaches from any of Arsenal’s rivals.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City were tipped to make bids earlier this week, but will not be proactive in doing so unless talks with Arsenal collapse.
Rice has also rejected a £200,000-a-week offer to stay at West Ham, with two years left on his current contract at the London Stadium.
West Ham chairman David Sullivan confirmed after the Europa Conference League final victory over Fiorentina that the England midfielder would be sold this summer, allowing the Hammers to bank a huge fee for their club captain.